New opportunities from Khan Tengri Innovation Hub and HSITP for startups in Central Eurasia

Khan Tengri Innovation Hub, in partnership with Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation & Technology Park (HSITP), is opening access to incubation programs in Hong Kong, combining the support of a financial center with the opportunity to leverage China’s technologies and investments. Read more about the programs in our article.

Lazzat Borankulova, Founder of Khan Tengri Innovation Hub
The collaboration between Khan Tengri Innovation Hub and HSITP began last year, during the period when the innovation park was preparing to launch its operational activities. It is particularly gratifying to see the idea turn into reality today: the first incubation programs of HSITP are opening their doors, and we are delighted that startups from Central Eurasia can become part of this inaugural cohort. For us, this is not just a partnership—it is an opportunity to share HSITP’s current programs and efforts with our region, support technological entrepreneurs on their path to global growth, and build bridges between Eurasia and China.

One of the key tasks of Khan Tengri Innovation Hub is to create opportunities for startups from Central Eurasia to develop their products and technologies in China—at every stage of their development: from idea and R&D to scaling on international markets. Collaboration with HSITP fits organically into this mission.

HSITP — an innovation park on the border of Hong Kong and Shenzhen

Unique location. HSITP is located in the Lok Ma Chau Loop area—right on the border between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Startups operate under Hong Kong’s jurisdiction, benefiting from a stable legal system and access to global markets, while simultaneously having unique access to resources in mainland China. Thanks to the “One Zone, Two Parks” principle, HSITP combines the talents and expertise of both cities, creating optimal conditions for innovation and growth.

Modern infrastructure. HSITP is being built from scratch on an area of approximately 87 hectares and will become a fully-fledged innovation city. The park is equipped with advanced infrastructure: laboratories, pilot production centers, coworking spaces, and offices with the latest equipment. Residential spaces will also be available on-site, allowing teams to live near laboratories and offices. The first buildings are already ready to host companies, and development is proceeding in phases, including clusters in the fields of Life & Health Sciences, AI & Data Science, new materials, robotics, and other areas.

International ecosystem. Since its launch, HSITP has attracted dozens of partners—from major technology companies and venture funds to universities and R&D centers. At the opening, 59 partnerships were announced, and by the end of 2025, their number exceeded 70. The ecosystem brings together local and international players ready to support startups. Residents gain access to industry experts, research institutes, corporate partners, and investors from around the world. HSITP acts as a global super-connector, integrating key elements of the innovation and technology industry—from science and education to business and venture capital.

Comprehensive startup support. In addition to infrastructure and a wide range of partners, HSITP offers startups a full spectrum of services for business development. Teams receive consultations from technical, legal, and financial experts, mentorship from industry leaders, and access to networking events. Through its partner network, the park facilitates connections with investors and corporate clients.

Government support from Hong Kong and China is expressed through favorable conditions: for example, free office spaces for incubatees during the program period, with only utility payments required, as well as various grants and subsidies.

HSITP Incubation Programs: SPIN, IGNITE, GAS

HSITP offers three phased incubation programs—from the idea stage to global scaling. Each program provides non-repayable grant funding and development resources without requiring equity in the company, making them particularly attractive for founders. Below is a comparison of the programs and their key parameters:

SPIN — Startup Ideation is a one-year starter program for projects at the earliest stage. If you have a promising high-tech idea, such as in biotechnology or AI, SPIN will help turn it into a full-fledged business plan and prototype.

Participants receive a seed grant of up to 150,000 HKD for idea development and undergo training at the HSITP Entrepreneurship Academy, where mentors help refine skills in business planning, product development, and investor pitching.

The program is focused on teams working in R&D and provides mentorship support from experienced incubation operators and industry experts.

IGNITE is an incubation program for startups that already have a prototype or minimum viable product. The duration of participation varies from two to four years, depending on the industry and the pace of project development. Startups in the Life & Health Technology sector can participate for up to four years, while projects in AI & Data Science are designed for two years. Funding under IGNITE reaches up to 6,000,000 HKD in grant funds, issued in stages upon completion of key project milestones. These funds allow teams to accelerate scientific research, access park laboratories for necessary testing, and bring the product to market readiness.

Each project is assigned experienced mentors from industry partners who assist with technology commercialization, business model development, and finding initial customers. The program aims to transform scientific developments into market solutions, focusing on market entry strategy, intellectual property, and investment attraction.

GAS — Global Acceleration Support is an acceleration program for companies ready to scale on the global market. GAS focuses on rapid growth and expansion. Participants receive expert services for entering new markets: attracting Series A and later investment rounds, consulting on production scaling, international marketing, certification, legal matters, and other aspects.

Through HSITP, startups connect with a global partner network, participate in international exhibitions, conferences, and competitions, and gain access to overseas accelerators for business networking. A key part of GAS is mentorship from industry leaders and venture partners, who help build strategic partnerships and adapt the product to scalable business models. Subsidies are issued on a reimbursement basis based on achievements, which encourages targeted use of funds and goal completion. Upon completion of GAS, the startup is ready to enter the international market with global ambitions and a foothold in the Asian region.

How to Apply and Key Dates

Applications are now open—teams from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other countries in the region can participate on equal terms. Participation is equity-free: no equity in the company is required, and intellectual property remains with the team.

December 5 — Online info session for interested teams. During the webinar, representatives from HSITP and Khan Tengri Hub will provide details about the programs, requirements, and answer questions. We recommend registering via this link.

December 26 — Application deadline. By this date, you must complete the online application form in English and attach the necessary documents: project presentation, business plan, team information, etc. You can apply via the Apply Now link on the HSITP website.

January 2026 — Startup selection. The HSITP commission will conduct a preliminary screening of applications for compliance with criteria. Promising candidates will be invited to a panel interview with a jury of park experts and partners.

February 2026 — Results announcement. Startups that pass the selection will receive official notification of acceptance into the respective program. Support for company registration in Hong Kong will be provided for international teams.

Spring-Summer 2026 — Start of incubation. Finalists sign agreements with HSITP and prepare to move to the innovation park. Teams will have up to six months to settle on the HSITP premises. After that, the incubation program officially begins: the first funding tranches are disbursed, workspaces are provided, and the startup immerses itself in the park’s ecosystem.

For all questions and additional information, please contact via email: Lazzatb@growthvision.pro, maral@growthvision.pro. The Khan Tengri Innovation Hub team is also ready to advise regional startups on the application process and preparation for the program. The Chinese technology market is waiting for your ideas—perhaps your startup will become the next global success story, starting with HSITP!